Eyes open and toes out of water: how a giant water bug reached the island of Cyprus
The island of Cyprus, although considered a hotspot for biodiversity in the Mediterranean (and occupied by Turkey on its northern border), is more famous for its beautiful sunny coasts than for its insect fauna. Some visitors of its highly populated beaches, with their observations and curiosity, have provided important information for a species never recorded before on the island: a the giant water bug, also known as a toe biter.
Scientists Michael Hadjiconstantis from the Association for the Protection of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity of Cyprus, Iakovos Tziortzis from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus, and Kadir Boğaç Kunt from the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute collected information and specimens from an increasing number of records of the giant water bug on the east coastline of the island in late spring and summer of 2020 and 2021.
The species, known for inhabiting ponds and slowly moving freshwaters, had never been recorded on the island before, although established populations are known in adjacent Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Turkey, and Israel.
Also referred to as Electric light bug, this giant water bug is described as a vicious hunter, praying on invertebrates, fish, turtles, and even birds.
Read Also: Cypriots are poaching songbirds for illegal dish
What is even scarier, as the largest European true bug and the largest European water insect and measuring up to 12 cm, it has a reputation of inflicting very painful bites when handled carelessly.
Its appearance, mainly on the eastern coastal front of the island, was initially recorded by swimmers, who were surprised by the fearsome looks and size of the bug. They either directly contacted the experts or published photos and videos online, mainly on Facebook groups related to biodiversity.
The authors collected some of the specimens for further study.
They also proceeded with an extensive online search on relevant online observation platforms (i.e. iNaturalist) in order to track any other reports of the species on the island.
In addition, they sampled nearby wetlands, but did not spot the bug.
More about giant water bugs
One of the most intriguing features of giant water bugs is their predatory prowess. Despite their name, they are not true bugs but rather aquatic insects known for their voracious appetite. Armed with piercing mouthparts, they ambush and capture a variety of prey, including small fish, amphibians, and even other insects.
Moreover, giant water bugs play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems as top predators, helping to regulate populations of smaller organisms and maintain ecological balance. Their presence serves as an indicator of environmental health, making them important subjects of study for scientists and conservationists alike.
In addition to their ecological significance, giant water bugs captivate with their unique reproductive behavior. Females deposit eggs on the backs of males, who then carry them until they hatch—a remarkable example of paternal care in the animal kingdom.
